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Principal

Lavina Liburd, Founder of TigerQi Architecture

Lavina began her career as an Architect in the San Francisco Bay Area in 1998. Between 1998 and 2005 she worked on major projects including the San Francisco International Airport, and the San Francisco Youth Guidance Center. After relocating to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Lavina worked with OBMI, a premier regional design firm for several years. There she brought her signature modern interpretation of traditional Caribbean design to a number of luxury residential and commercial projects.

Lavina is a graduate of Florida A&M University and the University of California at Berkeley. She holds a professional Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a Master of Science in Architecture degree with an emphasis on Environmental Design in Developing Countries. Lavina is a Licensed Architect in the State of California, USA.

Practice

TigerQi Architecture is a design-focused architectural practice officially launched in January 2013.

We specialize in a contemporary design approach which embraces the simplicity and minimalism of Modern design, but which respects and relates to the regional context and built-environment traditions of the Caribbean. Inspiration for design is drawn from many disparate influences. The desires and aspirations of the client are interpreted in elegant and functional arrangements of space, and through the form and details of the building inside and out.

In traditional Chinese culture, qi (also chi or ch'i) is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as "natural energy", "life force", or "energy flow". TigerQi denotes a strength, determination, energy and flow in our work, which translates into significant and impactful buildings. This vision and mantra is carried through all our work and collaborations.

In line with this, our custom designs grow from a sense of the specific site, intersecting with a focus on climate appropriate strategies, function and personal experience of space. A project should respond to the history and cultural context of a place without being bound by it. Design should have a sense of fun and lightness, as well as sophistication, elegance, and charm.

Materials are sourced locally and regionally whenever possible, and we work with qualified consultants to achieve specific environmentally friendly benchmarks as needed. The tropical climate is not kind to building materials, therefore our focus is on the use of materials which will be durable in the sun and salt air.

Although primarily based in the British Virgin Islands, we also maintain a business presence and industry alliances in St. Kitts and Nevis.

TigerQi Architecture also offers pre-packaged plan sets for a speedier and more economical service. We have developed a line of homes which work on general principles including degree of slope, efficiency of space, and quality of design, which are adaptable to different sites and can be modified to reflect the client’s preferred aesthetic. The initial concepts in this line can be viewed on my TigerQi Architecture Facebook site.